Kenyan preacher Bishop Muthee Ben Kiengei has publicly rejected claims linking him to the paternity of a young child trending on social media. Writing under his Facebook handle "Guka wa Nairobi Muthee kiengei", the founder of Jesus Compassion Ministry (JCM) issued a direct statement to clarify the situation.
He accused online users of using artificial intelligence tools to alter the child's appearance to make her resemble him.
Rejection of Online Rumours
The controversy emerged after images of the child circulated widely on digital platforms. Social media users claimed that the child shared a striking facial resemblance with the bishop. However, Kiengei firmly dismissed these assertions in his public statement.
“I don't like posting innocent souls, but why are all of you forcing this kid to belong where she doesn't belong?”
In his message, Kiengei questioned the motives behind the circulating images. He expressed concern over the deliberate use of digital manipulation in the ongoing controversy.
“Why use AI to make her look like me, were you all disappointed to that level, you all hoped that she was my daughter so that you continue fighting the compassionate Gospel?” Kiengei questioned.
Defence of Ministry and Character
Kiengei suggested that the paternity claims were designed to undermine his religious work. He questioned whether critics hoped the child was his daughter to validate their ongoing opposition to his ministry. He referenced his church work directly, asking if opponents sought to fight his compassionate Gospel.
“So, this is what you were waiting for to validate your battles against me?” he asked.
The bishop expressed regret over the involvement of a child in online disputes. He wrote that critics were waiting for such a narrative to support their personal battles against him.
Addressing the child's mother directly, Kiengei appealed for an immediate end to the public speculation. He urged her to protect the minor from social media scrutiny and preserve her dignity.
“To the mother, spare your child all this online nonsense and respectfully preserve your child's dignity.”
In addition to English, Kiengei included a statement in Kikuyu to reinforce his position. In his Kikuyu remarks, Kiengei stated that he remains untroubled because he knows he was not involved. He asked individuals to stop attributing a child to him or his family when no such relationship exists.
